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#summerofbasics – an update

August is well under way so I thought I would give you an update on the Summer of Basics adventure. I chose to knit three garments over the three summer months, quite a feat for a slow knitter like me. Two are done already, and the third one is well under way. I did help myself by choosing a tank top among the three. I mean, OK for a challenge, but it has to be fun as well. No self-imposed stress.Le mois d’août est bien entamé alors j’avais envie de faire un petit point sur l’aventure Summer of Basics. Je me suis donc lancée dans trois tricots à compléter sur trois mois, un véritable défi pour la tricoteuse plutôt lente que je suis. J’ai en déjà terminé deux, et le troisième est bien entamé. Je me suis un peu aidée en choisissant un top sans manches dans le lot, quand même. Un défi d’accord, mais il faut que ça reste du plaisir avant tout. Pas de raison de me mettre la pression.

Knit 1/ I wish I could show it all but it was a test knit, and a beautiful one at that. The designer kindly asked me to wait for the official pattern launch that should take place in October to share my pictures and feedback, so you will have to wait a bit. It was a bit challenging at first, but I learned new techniques and the whole test knit process was really enjoyable. All I can say is that it’s a linen sweater with short sleeves. To be continued in October.

Knit 2/A very simple and feminine tank top that was really quick to knit. Except it does not look as beautiful as on this picture below. Not sure what happened exactly – the problem was either me, the yarn, or the pattern. Most probably a mixture of the three. I will show you the result in a following post.

Knit 3/ It is the only long sleeved sweater of the bunch. I did hesitate a lot before settling on a pattern. If you remember, I first hesitated between these two below. I finally set my heart on Rhombille. I don’t think the other pattern was right for cotton.But as I was ready to swatch, I made a few calculations again and realized I probably would run short of yarn close to the end. I preferred not to take the risk of going through another Rocquaine scenario, so I chose Wheaten. The yarn made the choice, in a way. I just had to be sure I would not run out. For this sweater, I should have just enough. I love this slip stitch texture. And in aran weight, it is knitting up very quickly, so I should be finished on time.

Using the stash. Another great aspect of this challenge is that I have been using my stash, apart for a few more linen balls I had to get for Knit 1. A good step towards my goal of bringing the stash to its knees. More than 2,000 yards will have disappeared from my stash. Hooray!

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4 thoughts on “#summerofbasics – an update”

Beautiful choices, Agnes, and happy to read that you’re on your way with the 3rd project (I did 2, but may not be able to get to the 3rd!). I love the beautiful simplicity of Wheaten; it could be styled in so many ways. And I’m looking forward to reading more about the tank; I came across that book this summer, too, at the library. It’s got so many lovely patterns. 🙂

You are making amazing progress on your garments! Love the designs you have chosen!

Regarding the tank, I must say that out of the tanks I have knitted with thin straps, none of them have turned out looking as nice as the pattern picture. I think thin strips of knit fabric do not behave very well. Then again, in the body of a knitted tank it can be very challenging to create a fabric that is figure flattering without making it too tight on the body. If it is loose enough to be comfortable it can make one look plump. I am still dissatisfied with many of the tanks I’ve knit, so I would not be hard on yourself, I think they may be the most challenging garments to execute with real success.